Yarn
100g of DK, 4ply or Aran weight yarns – hold 4ply+DK together to achieve gauge
Needles & Notions
Set 4.5mm/UK7/US7 DPNs/Circular or size needed to obtain gauge
3.5mm crochet hook
Stitch marker as necessary
Tapestry needle
Sample details
Shown in size 23in/58.5cm on model with 23in/58.5cm circumference head
Gauge
18 sts x 24 rows to 4in/10cm on 4.5mm needles over St.St.
Sizes
To fit size: 20 [22, 23] in/ 50.75 [56, 58.5] cm
Finished size: 18.5 [20, 21.5] in/ 47 [50.75, 54.5] cm
Not sure which size to make? Check my handy size and measuring guide!
Skills required
Stocking Stitch
Knitting in the round
Increases & decreases
Abbreviations
K: knit
P: purl
rpt: repeat
st(s): stitch(es)
M1: pick up the horizontal loop before the next stitch, place it onto the left needle and knit into the back of it
SSK: slip next 2 sts knitwise, then knit these 2 sts together through the backs of the loops
k2tog: knit next 2sts together
Notes
This pattern is designed to use up stash oddments. To obtain gauge, knit a strand of DK & 4ply together, or use any Aran or worsted weight yarn on it's own.
Pixie version
Cast on 6sts
Next rnd: knit all sts
Next rnd: Knit into the front & back of each st [12 sts]
Next rnd: knit all sts
Next rnd: *K1, M1, K1; rpt from * to end [18 sts]
Next rnd: knit all sts
Next rnd: *K1, M1, K2; rpt from * to end [24 sts]
Next rnd: knit all sts
Next rnd: *K1, M1, K3; rpt from * to end [30 sts]
Next rnd: knit all sts
Next rnd: *K1, M1, K4; rpt from * to end [36 sts]
Next rnd: knit all sts
Next rnd: *K1, M1, K5; rpt from * to end [42 sts]
Next rnd: knit all sts
Next rnd: *K1, M1, K6; rpt from * to end [48 sts]
Next rnd: knit all sts
Continue increasing in this fashion, increasing 6 sts every other round, until you have 84 [90, 96] sts
Regular version
Cast on 6sts
Next rnd: knit all sts
Next rnd: Knit into the front & back of each st [12 sts]
Next rnd: *K1, M1, K1; rpt from * to end [18 sts]
(if you find on this row that picking up the loop for M1 is difficult, then increase the extra stitch by knitting into both the front and the back of the first stitch of the repeat. Picking up the loop will be easier in later rounds)
Next rnd: *K1, M1, K2; rpt from * to end [24 sts]
Next rnd: *K1, M1, K3; rpt from * to end [30 sts]
Next rnd: *K1, M1, K4; rpt from * to end [36 sts]
Next rnd: *K1, M1, K5; rpt from * to end [42 sts]
Next rnd: *K1, M1, K6; rpt from * to end [48 sts]
Continue increasing in this fashion, increasing 6 sts every round, until you have 84 [90, 96] sts
Body
Now work Stocking Stitch by knitting every round until work measures 4 [4.5, 5] inches/10 [11.5, 12.75] cm from last increase round, ending at start of round.
Ear-Flaps
Next rnd: Cast off 12 [13, 14] sts, K 16 [17, 18] (1st ear-flap), cast off 28 [30, 32] sts, K16 [17, 18] (2nd ear-flap), cast off 12 [13, 14] sts.
Break yarn and fasten, then rejoin to 1st ear-flap.
Work 20 rows plain stockinette stitch for longer ear-flap version or 10 rows for short ear-flap version
Then work the following 2 rows until 2 [3, 2] sts remain then cast off.
Next row: Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, K2tog
Next row: Purl all sts
Rejoin yarn to right side of 2nd flap. Repeat to match 1st ear-flap.
Using a crochet hook and leftover yarn, work Uk-dc/US-sc all the way round the edge. This is optional but does give a much neater finish. Use a contrast yarn or one of the colours you have already used – your choice
Finishing
Weave in all ends. A gentle wash and blocking is required to help the increase lines settle in and lay flat.
(Mr Tom hated modelling for these Hats... you can tell, can't you....)